Discussing the Interface of the Christian Faith with Science, Philosophy and Culture.

Dr John Harris, author of One Blood, a landmark study into 200 years of Aboriginal encounter with Christianity, discusses the impact of European missionaries on Aboriginal Culture.

Out of a burning conviction that “God made of one blood all nations”, Christians have carried their message to Aborigines throughout Australia. It is this encounter and its results that John Harris explores in these many stories that tell one story: how, in the face of abuse, paternalism, prejudice, isoluation and crippling hardship, the Christian gospel was brought to Aboriginal people. Although sometimes blind to their own faults, those who brought this message were remarkable people of great compassion and courage.

For two centuries, this activity was a major force in the lives of the indigenous people of Australia. Christian missions were sometimes places of regimentation marked by a loss of freedom; often, too, they were places of survival and refuge for a suffering people. The missions may seem to have failed, yet from many of them are emerging distinctive Aboriginal churches with strong Aboriginal leadership.

This is a sensible and balanced discussion of the good and not-so-good aspects of Christian missions to the Aboriginal people. Not all Christian missionaries were British imperialists or social Darwinists. Some were humble and committed Christians who genuinely loved Aboriginal people and were genuinely loved back. A lot of good was done, despite the fact that modern revisionists seem only to remeber the bad.

I am an Aboriginal woman who does not belong to Christian religion (I do belong to a faith and have important and life affirming spiritual beliefs though). I absolutely loved reading this book when it was first released. Would like to read it again.

One statement above, however, that I think might require further thought is:

“A lot of good was done, despite the fact that modern revisionists seem only to remeber the bad”.

This assumes that “remembering” what you label “the bad” acts to replace the “good”. I don’t agree. The positive aspects of colonisation in Australia will continue to be celebrated. Integrating all experiences across our history into how we ‘remember’ (or know history) enables a balanced perspective to be realised. It doesn’t “revise” the positive events, it puts them in a much deeper context. This includes how we see the actions of individuals – Christian individuals in this case – who despite what was occurring chose to practice Christianity in a way that was life-affirming for themselves and Indigenous people even though this did not conform to the many other systems of colonisation at the time. In the broader context, this makes the message of their true and real human practice of Christianity even more positive – more ‘good’ in the most fundamental sense of the word . Judging Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal supporters who want all stories told in the present as “bad” or “revisionist” is disappointing to see on this site.

Hi! I ‘m John, the bloke who wrote One Blood. It was a privilege to write it and to know and love so many
Aborigiinal people. Sorry it is long out of print. One Blood will be available as an ebook before the end of the year. Third edition perhaps in 2013.
Jennifer, can you email me on jwharris@grapevine.com.au if you read this. And anyone else actually.

Delizia Costaon October 24th, 2012

Thanks so much everyone. John i have emailed you about the possible 2013 edition.

I received a copy of your book “One Blood”, which I intend to read this year. It was given to me by a woman at my church who found out I had indigenous heritage.

I feel far removed from the aboriginal identity, but my nan, after years of it being the big dirty family secret, is now quite vocal and passionate and identifies as an aboriginal person. Her grandmother was part of the stolen generation, and she grew up in fear that she would be removed from her family if the authorities found out she wasn’t as “white” as she appeared.

I became a Christian about 10 years ago, and since then, my nan has had a thing or two to say about Christianity. In particular, the church’s role in the stolen generation.

I really don’t know how to reach her, and help her be open to a God who would not condone the abuses that happened to her family, when it was His representatives that carried these things out. When she talks about this stuff, I just try to listen and acknowledge and sympathise without trying to defend the church. But I really don’t know how to reach her. She believes in God, but as for Jesus and the rest of it, I am guessing that she thinks it’s just more of “white man’s” imposition on her culture that was taken from her and her family. What I am most concerned about is that she is very angry and I don’t know if she will be able or willing to forgive the church or God. I had two grandparents pass away last year and she is the last living grandparent, along with all of her siblings. None of my family are Christian, except for me and my dad. I pray for them and I feel so inadequate to reach them or to have an answer to the pain they experienced in the name of God.

If you could refer me to any books, blogs, or even people, I would very much appreciate this. Or if there is any resource I could give my nan (she loves reading!) that would also be good.

In reading your post, I just felt that I should try to reach out to you. I am married to an Aboriginal (Murri) woman. Most of her relatives are not believers, so I understand a little of your pain.

The questions your Nan will have revolve around a bigger question: ‘Why does God allow suffering and tolerate sin?’ The answer to that is that man brought sin into the world, when Adam and Eve listened to Satan, and fell into sin. God does not sin. Sin brings death. The Bible tells us ‘the wages of sin is death’. The problem, then, is not that God allows sin, it is that man has sinned against God, and will continue to do so.

The problem of Christians sinning is equally difficult. Some people call themselves Christians, but are not. This is something that the devil delights in. Others are truly Christians, but make BIG mistakes – sin grievously. All Christians sin – you and I know this – but TRUE Christians are TRULY sorry for their sin, and repent of it.

We can repent on behalf of our nation, but someone who is not a believer will not comprehend that.

We need to pray earnestly for your Nan. I will pray for her. Only God can give her a heart to hear the truth. If this happens, she will understand all things for what they are.

Your brother,

Andrew

Jen Hammondon July 22nd, 2013

Dear John

I was born in Alice Springs and grew up in the Territory. I long for a return of shared and stronger Christian meanings between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal peiople… I was wondering where you were based, if in Perth it would be great to meet up and talk about any ways that I can try to work towards renewed meaningful relationships between Australian people, particularly Aboriginal Christians who have been brave and humble enough to proclaim their faith, in a very problematic landscape of competing political and cultural al alliances. I know within myself that we are made to love and respect each other deeply. I am a very poor communicator on email, so hoping we can catch up in person. With thanks, Jen (Farrell) Hammond

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"To admit ignorance is to relinquish control. But ignorance is part of the human condition. I came hardwired with very little knowledge. To pretend I'm done learning, to act as though I have filled out the empty spaces in my understanding is to cement ignorance into stupidity. It is to avoid vulnerability at the expense of growth."
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